Ryan Harden

I guess I'm confused in that how would we display the info in real time if the map thing (computer or phone) doesn't have cell coverage. I'm thinking this would be the cats meow if we got a group of 20-30 rigs to go map an entire county as one big trip and then we could all see where everyone is very quickly (assuming we could hit a repeater that could do it).

I am just getting started with APRS. I have a 10 watt unit. As much as I like technology I believe we rely on it too much. Remember you still need to have access to GPS satellites. My satellite radio cuts out in the woods. Also you need to be in range of a station that is connected to the network. There are areas that don't have coverage. Some of these stations are put in place personally by Amateur Radio operators with limited time and budgets and upkeep may not be a priority. Trail rides are usually organized in advance. We meet here, going there. Keep the driver behind you in site. Ask questions at the drivers meeting. Keep it simple. I have heard through some emergency management meetings about problems with communications because too many people were on too many frequencies and no one could talk to anyone.

I use APRS in my Jeep all the time. I have a Kenwood TM-V71a VHF/UHF 50 watt mobile radio. I use an android app called APRSdroid on my cellphone, and connect it to my radio via bluetooth using a Mobilinkd TNC.

APRS in the USA uses the frequency of 144.390 MHz. It's a neat way to see what other ham radio "assets" are in your area. It's also a way of finding other hams close to you to start a conversation with.

I would be glad to show my set-up to anyone that is interested.

-Don KA9RXK